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Novel Active Surface Prepared by Embedded Functionalized Clays in an Acrylate Coating
Yining Xia1, Mehran Ghasemlou1, Maria Rubino1
1School of Packaging, Michigan State University , East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|October 22, 2015
Summary
Researchers developed a novel self-decontaminating surface using ampicillin-functionalized nanoclay in an acrylate coating. This antimicrobial surface effectively inhibited the growth of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium upon contact.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Antimicrobial Surfaces
Background:
- Pathogenic microorganisms on surfaces pose a significant health risk.
- Development of self-decontaminating surfaces is crucial for infection control.
- Existing antimicrobial strategies often face challenges with durability and broad-spectrum efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a novel and simple technique for creating an active surface with antimicrobial functionality.
- To develop a tethering platform by grafting ampicillin (Amp) to nanoclay for antimicrobial applications.
- To incorporate the Amp-functionalized nanoclay into a UV-curable acrylate coating on polypropylene films.
Main Methods:
- Grafting ampicillin (Amp) to nanoclay using [3-(glycidyloxy)propyl]trimethoxysilane as a coupling agent.
- Modifying Amp-functionalized clay with an organic surfactant for improved coating compatibility.
- Dispersing modified nanoclay in a UV-curable acrylate coating and applying it to polypropylene substrates.
- Characterization using Fourier infrared transform analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Characterization assays confirmed the successful presence and grafting of Amp onto the nanoclay.
- Transmission electron microscopy showed good dispersion and partial exfoliation of clay particles within the acrylate coating.
- The developed active coating surface demonstrated effectiveness in inhibiting the growth of both Gram-positive Listeria monocytogenes and Gram-negative Salmonella Typhimurium.
Conclusions:
- A novel and effective method for creating self-decontaminating surfaces using nanotechnology has been successfully demonstrated.
- The ampicillin-functionalized nanoclay coating exhibits potent contact-killing antimicrobial activity against key pathogens.
- This approach holds significant potential for developing advanced active surfaces with diverse functionalities for various applications.

